68 . GENERAL SCIENCE 



and oftentimes sleeplessness is a direct result of insufficient 

 physical exercise. 



The human body cannot manufacture something out of 

 nothing. A healthy cell growth, and a vigorous protoplasm, 

 is a natural result of a temperate and simple manner of life. 

 Intemperance in matters of food, sleep, drink, occupations, 

 and amusements dissipates the energies, and proves destruc- 

 tive to health and to life itself. 



When machinery of the ordinary kind wears out or breaks 

 down, it can be thrown on the scrap heap, and new machines 

 put in its place. But it is difficult to conceive that any sane 

 person will deliberately choose a course in life that must 

 inevitably lead to his breakdown in body and mind. Ignor- 

 ance of violations of the laws of well-being, and of the results 

 of any departure from the ways of right living, does not 

 change those results. Enlightenment as to the conditions 

 for attaining and maintaining physical and mental vigor con- 

 stitutes one of the most important parts of school instruction. 



Recreation seeks that restoration of body and mind which 

 makes possible the best efforts of both. There is little need 

 to remain long in doubt whether any particular course in 

 life is recreation, or is instead a dissipation of one's energy 

 and powers. While in amusements there is oftentimes no 

 thought other than of pleasure, rest and invigoration should 

 always result from them. Here as elsewhere, the dividing 

 line between recreation and dissipation may be quickly 

 discerned by one who is thoughtful of his own well-being and 

 of the welfare of others. It is a law of human life that any 

 right use of time and strength, and of the powers of body 

 and of mind, brings increase in ability to do ; their disuse or 

 misuse renders one less capable. It is indispensable to health 

 and happiness that one avoid all those pleasures that overtax 

 the bodily energy or tend toward disease and immorality of 

 any kind. 



